MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-3) ~ (2-1) AWAY *** LA CHARGERS (4-3) ~ (2-2) HOME
MINNY (#20) OFFENSE: (104R)/(215P) vs. LAC (#13) DEFENSE: (124R)/(192P)
LAC (#4) OFFENSE: (111R)/(262P) vs. MINNY (#9) DEFENSE: (115R)/(184P)
VEGAS ODDS: LA CHARGERS (-3 ½) ~ TOTAL: (44 ½)
PIVOTAL GAME FOR BOTH TEAMS AS WE REACH MIDWAY POINT TO SEASON!
Well if you are a Vikings fan I can save you from reading further as the Vikings have not won or lost B2B games all season trading a win one week to a loss the following week with perfection thus far. So the Vikings are off a Loss so congrats Purple Backers, you are the winner of this contest. Ahhh, if it were all so simple. It’s never easy to play on the short week Thursday games for any teams but when you are the visitor it’s a lot rougher as you have to hop on a plane and check into a hotel while you try and recover all the bumps and bruises from just a couple days prior.
Good news for Vikes fans is they did have their “Bye” week just 2 weeks ago and they enter Week 8 and this is only their second true Road game of the season. They went on the Road to start the season and beat the Bears (27-24) with a fantastic second half comeback.
The Chargers started the season off looking like maybe the best team in the NFL as they knocked off the KC Chefs in pretty impressive fashion, then won their next 2 games to start (3-0) and expectations were flying through the roof. But the last 4 games have caused lots of concern as they have won just one of those four games, and the one victory was over the hapless Dolphins on a last play of the game FG to win by just 2 points. All of a sudden this Chargers team has all kinds of chinks in their armour.
VIKINGS KEEP QB WENTZ AS STARTER HOPING HE STAYS PERFECT ON TNF!
I am not sure what to make of this Vikings team right now as they clearly are well coached and have an elite WR duo with Jefferson and Addison. It’s not talked about but the loss of #1 RB Cook has thrown off this Offense for most of the season thus far. Backup RB Mason has been decent with (4.5YPR) and 4 TD’s but the Run game has only 1 explosive run all year (24 yards). Vikes QB Wentz has been what you would expect for a guy playing for his 6th team in 6 seasons.
In 4 games he’s made some splashy plays throwing for some long TD’s (36, 81, 38 and 40 yards). Last week down 7 to the Eagles he threw a Pick-6 that turned out to be just too much of a deficit to overcome. He is nursing a bad left shoulder and at times looks very old/slow in the pocket as he’s been sacked 14x and he’s tried to make too many “miracle” plays and has 4 Interceptions to only 5 TD passes. He does have two (300+) yard passing games but one was when the team was way down to the Steelers in Dublin.
Like the Eagles game, when down (14-6) to the Steelers, Wentz threw a bad interception that quickly resulted in a Steelers TD and (21-6) lead, again a lead the Vikings could never recover from. It’s hard to give credit for big yardage passing games when you get lots of them when you are way behind and Prevent Defense is being played against you. When life brings you lots of rotten apples though you always find one that is ripe and Wentz is a Perfect (7-0) on Thursday Night Prime Time TV games. So I am saying “Vikings fans you do have a chance”!
CHARGERS DEFENSE IS COLLAPSING BEFORE OUR EYES THE PAST 3 WEEKS!
If you solely look at just the stats you see the Chargers D is (#13) and they have 6 interceptions and 17 sacks. Not too shabby really and I wish my Commanders had these stats. But the past 3 weeks it’s been tons of missed tackles, players out of position a lot, especially on the bigger plays. Last week vs the Colts they allowed all three 4th down plays to be converted, 4 TD’s in 5 Red Zone trips and 3 weeks ago they were outscored (27-0) after the first quarter vs. the Commanders.
They have allowed their last 3 opponents to score at least 27 points. They only have one fumble recovery all season so far. They are dead last in Yards Per Pass allowed the past 3 weeks and now face a Vikings Offense loaded with elite playmakers. This is NOT the LAC Defense I was expecting to see this season.
CHARGERS OFFENSE WENT FROM RUN FIRST TO PASS LIKE CRAZY!
The Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh has always been a smash mouth run the ball head coach. But somehow this season the Chargers have passed the ball (60%) of the time (2nd most in the league). Now they have been behind pretty big a few games (Commanders, Colts) so that has been part of the reason but it’s also been the health of the Offensive Line that has been the major reason. It’s been a MASH ward for an OL that came into the season looking like a Top 5 OL.
Though this could be a week for Bolts fans to rejoice again as their stud LT Alt (who missed last 3 games) could return and also their solid RT Pipkins (missed last 2 games) could return as well. If both return I fully expect their gameplan to get back to running it more and trying to wear down the traveling Vikes D on the short week.
CAN THE VIKINGS SECONDARY REBOUND OFF BRUTAL DISPLAY LAST WEEK?
For the Vikings Defense, and especially their Secondary, this short week came at the perfect time. Last week the Eagles struggling Offense/QB went to Minnesota and completed 5 passes for (25+) yards and a perfect passer rating to Hurts in the process. The Vikings Defense, much like the Chargers Defense of late, seems to be totally out of position on too many plays and getting burned for them badly.
The Vikings Defense is one of the better Pass Pressure Rate teams (3rd in NFL) and should fare very well vs. LAC QB Herbert who has been pressured the second worst (30.5%) but it’s tough to win if you don’t create turnovers.The Vikings have the goose egg (0) with Defensive Turnovers the past 3 weeks and just 2 Interceptions the entire season. In fact they have 5 of their 7 turnovers in one game this year. This is alarming more so due to the fact the Defense’s Top 3 Pressure rates that last year helped them lead the league with (33) turnovers forced.
BOTH TEAMS HAVE REALLY DOMINATED THE TIME OF POSSESSION!
The Chargers Offense has really held the ball keeping it 34 mins of the 60 all of the past 3 games. The Vikings Offense has held the ball for 34 minutes two of its last 3 games. So neither team really comes into this game with “Tired legs”. The Chargers are (+29) total plays the past 3 games combined and the Vikings a very solid (+27) total plays as well. It’s likely what team wins this stat will be tonight’s winner.
TOP TRENDS FOR THIS PRIME TV GAME OF THE WEEK:
1). MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Last 4 games this season went “OVER” the Total. 2). MINNY & LAC: Both teams have played 6 “OVERS” and 1 “UNDER” on TNF games. 3). MINNY DEFENSE: Held its first 5 opposing QB’s under 200 yards passing (L/wk:316). 4). LA CHARGERS: Have not cashed a ticket in the past 4 weeks (0-4 ATS).
TOP “PROP BET” MISMATCH FOR THIS GAME:
The Vikings Defense has struggled to stop opposing WR’s and since the start of the 2024 season they are second worst allowing (13.3) catches per game and now they will face a really solid Chargers WR group that has been elite with (13.5) catches per game since the start of the 2024 season.
FINAL PASS:
This is a very intriguing matchup as neither can really afford another loss this early into the season. Being one of the best Professional Sports bettors for the past 36 years I’ve learned every hard lesson in the books along the way. One of the major rules to stay an elite winner betting for a living is you don’t ask struggling teams to all of a sudden play a great game this week. Many folks say the same line about struggling teams “Oh they are DUE”. My reply is “Yeah they are due, Due to lose Again”. I am stunned these two very talented Defenses are struggling to create turnovers this season.
I don’t make bets for the fun of it, I make bets to win at a very high rate. I would be very wary of Vikings QB Wentz bad shoulder holding up leaving a very untested backup to help you cash your bet ticket in. Both teams come in with way too many flaws this season and especially the past few games so I would lean to OVER bets on the top Wide Receivers in this game:
(1). VIKINGS WR JJ JEFFERSON: Topped 100 yards 2 of last 3 and seems to be in that groove getting wide open a lot past 3 games. He’s just remarkable after the catch with (208) already this season and averaging (15.5) yards per catch.
(2). VIKINGS WR ADDISON: Missed part of season but on tape it proves he’s got a really good rapport with QB Wentz who is now looking to target him more each week. He’s already topped 100 yards (114, 128) twice in just 3 games played and was targeting a dozen times last week. He also is superb with a (15.7) yards per catch average.
(3). LA CHARGERS TRIO: ALLEN, Q. JOHNSTON, McCONKEY: All 3 have made exciting big catches so far this season and having 3 solid weapons to pass the ball to has aided QB Herbert to some huge passing games (391-last week, 304, 270, 263 and 236) it’s a little harder from week to week though to peg which one will have the biggest Catches/Yards game.
The LAC really don’t have much of a Home field advantage as their ticket holders sell their tickets and most of the time it’s to all the opponent’s fans and it’s shown on the scoreboard as they won once in three tries this season (by 3, losses by 17 and 14) and last year their final 3 home games they won by 7 and lost by 23 and 7. No wins over a TD and laying 3 and hook (-3 ½) here makes for a bet made behind the 8 ball. Well folks thanks for reading and enjoy the game and check back often for in-depth previews of all the NFL national TV games ahead and also check back for my other very helpful Betting Articles each week – all to hopefully help you win more of your wagers this football season.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
@GARYGREENEWINS
Gary Greene is a Professional Sports Bettor and Publisher of the Bluebook Football Betting Magazine for nearly 4 decades in Las Vegas appearing in over a dozen Vegas Sportsbooks and on over 10k Sports Betting Radio Shows.
Get all of Gary’s NFL Stats Pages at: GARYWINS.COM
college championship weekend The 2025 college football season kicks off with one of the most electrifying Week 1 slates in recent memory. With playoff contenders
By: Matthew Weatherby
White smoke has risen from the Nittany Lion atop Beaver Stadium. Penn State has its new Head Coach in Matt Campbell. It was 54 long days since the Nittany Lions fired now Virginia Tech Head Coach James Franklin. They got turned down, people paid, and honestly publicly humiliated throughout the process. Now Campbell from Iowa State is set to take over in Happy Valley. Hoping to calm the mobs coming for Pat Kraft and his job.
This report came a few minutes ago from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who said Penn State was finalizing a deal for Matt Campbell to become the head coach.
Penn State has finally found its guy, and funny enough, it is a similar route they took when they hired James Franklin in 2014. Franklin’s pedigree was that of a guy who appeared to do more with less. He was the most successful Vanderbilt Head coach until Clark Lea.
Campbell is the same. He won at his first stop, being Toledo’s Head Coach, where he went 35-15, good for a .700 winning percentage. Since he took the job at Iowa State, he has enjoyed some similar success, going 72-55 from 2016-25.
Now to the doing more with less portion. Over the 11 recruiting classes that he brought in at Iowa State, the average ranking was 55.8 in the national standings. Not exactly that of a top-tier program. He has developed that talent, however, with guys like Brock Purdy and Breece Hall being stars in the NFL now.
He also won Coach of the Year 3 times in the BIG 12, receiving the award in 2017, ’18, and ’20. Campbell was also the 2015 MAC Coach of the Year.
With the influx of cash I expect Campbell to receive, in terms of NIL money for the roster, it is not unreasonable to think of this as a great hire. With his coaching pedigree, you would expect the results he was able to give at Iowa State to only be magnified with a bigger brand and budget at Penn State.
What Campbell means for Penn State
It means that Pat Kraft might actually be able to sleep peacefully tonight. He has been contacting seemingly everyone, trying to get them to come to Happy Valley. None of those came to fruition; instead, he was getting them paid at the places they were already employed.
Here, the question that reigns supreme: will it be enough?
This search was an unmitigated disaster, from the inability to get anyone to take their money, all of the negative press, and the rumors of Jimmy Sexton freezing Penn State out for the way they handled Franklin. It could not have been worse for Penn State. You pair that with a group of Paterno people who wanted Terry Smith to be the Head Coach. I wonder if this hire is enough to calm the waters in Happy Valley.
One thing I do know for sure is that winning cures all. Matt Campbell might just be the guy to save Pat Kraft.
Capital Sports Network will be your home for Let ’em Run Happy Hour
Let ’em Run is breaking down races at some new venues, and we will continue to expand our horizons with a variety of tracks, as we listen to what our viewers and readers have to say.
We are breaking down interesting races at Laurel Park and Turfway Park (a little nighttime action) that will be run on Saturday. Then we turn our attention to Aqueduct on Saturday, where there is The Remsen Gr2, a Kentucky Derby prep, and the signature race…The Cigar Mile.
Saturday Roundup Reminder
Be sure to tune into the Saturday “Let ’em Run Roundup” at 12:30 where we will bring even more insight after any scratches and other changes. So catch us this weekend on multiple streaming apps and social channels!!
Race 6 — 2:23 EST — The Maryland Juvenile — 125K — 7 Furlongs (Dirt) Some talented 2 y.o.’s line up for this race, at the always tricky distance for young runners at 7 furlongs. I am going to lean on #3 Sometime 9-2. Was ambitiously placed in the Iroquois against some of the best milers in the division. Breeding out of Take Charge Indy, who came in 1st at The Florida Derby and The Clark Handicap, so the talent is there. The #4 Biker Bailey 4-1 came out of a Md 20k, but took over the field and posted a 70 BSF. Could go to the front and not look back. Bet = $10 Ex Box 3,4 = $20
Saturday 12/6 — Turfway Park
Race 7 — 8:55 EST — The Boone County — 125K — 1 ¼ (Synthetic) Big field to choose from gives us plenty of options and value to boot. Jockey Fernando De La Cruz hops aboard #10 Swift Delivery 5-1, 1 of 2 Mark Casse entrants. A failed turf experiment, in between two Gr3 races on synthetic, make this horse the one to beat. Tough post, but De La Cruz can work out a trip and close on the field. The #1 Funtastic Again 5-1, is the horse for course and surface. Has ran in a steady diet of 6 Graded races last 6x, and now gets relief and a good post to go to the front. Jockey Gerado Corrales is very familiar with this runner.
Saturday 12/6 — Aqueduct (Races 7–11)
Race 7 — 2:11 EST — Alw 88K N1X — 1 Mile (Dirt)
Nice start to the late P5 for Let ’em Run, with a big field of 12 runners. Hard to look past #6 Life and Times 8-5. As a student of pace figures, this runner has an early pace figure of 142!! Out of Justify, and 2nd time out runners for that sire often improve…scary. Likely to have some company up front, but just too fast. Bet = P5 = 6 / All / All / 6 / 2 = $78 (based on current entries)
Race 8 — 2:39 EST — The NY Stallion Series — 500K (Fillies) — 7 Furlongs (Dirt)
Another full field of 2 y.o. fillies running at 7 furlongs. Going with #12 Daniella Marie 6-1, the entry for the “other Chad”… trainer Chad Summers, who is heating up and excellent with 2.y.o’s. Jockey Kendrick Caramouche stays on, and never really asked her in last, when she won by 9 ¼ lengths. Likely post time fave #10 Hot Currency 7-2, looking to improve with stud jockey Flavian Prat retaining the mount.
Race 9 — 3:08 EST — The Remsen Gr2 — 250K — 1 ⅛ (Dirt)
Kentucky Derby prep race, with 12 runners ready to go. The #11 Talkin 5-1 for trainer Danny Gargan is my top choice. Gargan is looking to hit the Derby trail again with a good one here, out of top Sire Good Magic. Runner beat Further Ado in Maiden, and that runner is labeled as a Derby favorite, so why not this guy. Jockey Kendrick Caramouche has options from a tough post, with interesting Brisnet early and late pace figures both high, and nearly the same (early 106 / late 102). Once again the Flavian Prat runner #2 Paladin 3-1 will get much deserved attention.
Race 10 — 3:37 EST — The Cigar Mile Gr2 — 500K — 1 Mile (Dirt)
Really can’t see anyone beating the fast and talented #6 Phileas Fogg 8-5. Two new wrinkles; with blinkers going on and jockey Joel Rosario taking the mount. Trainer Rodriguez Gustavo gave him a break pointing to this race, and said “it’s showtime“; when asked how he was doing!!
Two notes per Brisnet, lone E speed, and best pace to the 6 furlong distance, by a lot. So should have company early, but will then pull away to the wire.
Race 11 — The NY Stallion Series — 500K — 7 Furlongs
Once again the Big A putting out a big field for bettors. Trainer Butch Reid has #2 Parker Boone 8-5 ready to make some noise. Runner won by 12 ¼ 1st time out and was under wraps early. Naysayers will say “who did he beat”, but runners out of Solomini are often very good, very early. Will have other speed to deal with, but a ground saving post should seal the deal.
Final Notes
Stay tuned as we continue to grow, and tune in on Saturday for our 12:30 Podcast, with scratches and changes affecting our picks. And as the saying goes, Let ‘em Run.
NFL and COLLEGE FOOTBALL – THE sec How Sports Is Saving Broadcast TV: The Rise of Live Programming in a Streaming-Dominated Era
Escalating costs of NFL and MLB renewals, combined with cable decline and streaming fragmentation, are likely to make ESPN, Amazon, Apple, CBS, NBC, Fox, and YouTube more cautious about paying significantly higher college football rights fees. This financial pressure could slow down aggressive expansion and reduce the incentive to add ACC schools like Florida State, Clemson, North Carolina, and Miami, especially since their recent on-field performance has weakened their market value.
NFL & MLB renewals dominate budgets: The NFL’s Thanksgiving 2025 ratings shattered records, proving why networks will commit billions more to retain rights. MLB’s upcoming renewal adds another heavy obligation.
Streaming entrants already stretched: Amazon, Apple, and YouTube are investing heavily in NFL packages and global sports, limiting their appetite for additional college conference deals.
Cable volatility: Cord-cutting erodes traditional revenue streams, forcing networks to be more selective with rights investments.
College Conference Dynamics
Big Ten & SEC remain secure: Their multibillion-dollar deals ($8B+ for Big Ten, $3B for SEC) ensure stability and make them the only conferences positioned to expand further but only if there is more money to get from the media partners.
ACC locked in: ESPN extended its deal through 2036, giving the conference stability but limiting renegotiation. This makes poaching ACC schools less financially attractive unless ESPN adjusts terms.
Big 12 opportunism: Benefited from Pac-12’s collapse, but future expansion depends on whether networks see value in adding mid-tier programs.
Risks for ACC Schools
Performance matters: Florida State, Clemson, UNC, and Miami have struggled with subpar seasons, reducing their bargaining power. Networks are less likely to pay premiums for underperforming brands.
Revenue-sharing pressures: Following the House v. NCAA settlement, schools must share revenue with athletes, increasing the need for higher payouts. If networks won’t pay more, weaker conferences risk losing schools without replacement value.
Exposure vs. payout trade-off: Streaming platforms may prefer cherry-picking marquee matchups rather than funding entire conferences, further reducing incentives to add schools.
Likely Outcomes
Slower expansion: Networks will prioritize retaining NFL/MLB rights over funding new college realignment.
Selective poaching: Big Ten and SEC may still target top ACC schools if they rebound competitively, but only if the economics justify it.
ACC stability (for now): ESPN’s long-term deal through 2036 makes immediate exits difficult, though lawsuits from FSU and Clemson could test that structure.
Bottom Line
The financial strain of NFL and MLB renewals means networks are unlikely to pay dramatically more for college football in the near term. That reduces the incentive for conferences to expand aggressively, making another Pac-12-style collapse less likely in the short run — but leaving underperforming ACC schools vulnerable if their value doesn’t rebound.
Politics8 years ago